Natural Science Collections Conservation encompasses the preservation and care of the diverse materials that make up natural science collections worldwide. These collections comprise the full spectrum of Earth’s biodiversity and geological heritage, including taxidermy mounts, study skins, animal skeletons, fluid-preserved specimens, botanical collections, minerals, gemstones, fossils, shells, and insect collections.
Target Audience
This group welcomes natural sciences conservators as well as allied professionals including taxidermists, specimen preparation staff, collection managers, and objects conservators working with natural materials. The connections between natural science conservation and other conservation specialties—particularly for objects made from or incorporating natural materials—create opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and shared expertise.
Goals and Aims
The Natural Science Conservation special interest group serves as a platform for networking, professional collaboration, and capacity building within the Australian conservation community. Key aims include breaking down barriers that have historically limited engagement with natural science collections, ensuring these collections receive recognition equal to other museum holdings, facilitating knowledge exchange among professionals working with diverse natural materials, and delivering targeted professional development opportunities. Through these efforts, the group seeks to strengthen the conservation profession’s ability to care for Australia’s significant natural science collections—repositories that often contain millions of specimens of scientific, cultural, and historical importance.
Convenors
Sheldon Teare is Senior Conservator Natural Sciences at the Australian Museum. He provides advice and conservation treatments across 10 Life and Geoscience collection areas, totalling over 20 million specimens. Sheldon has specialised in the care of natural sciences collections and is an advocate for ensuring they receive the same status and care as other museum collections. Sheldon has been an active member of the AICCM for many years and is currently a Professional Member.
Irene Finkelde is the Senior Conservator (Objects) at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. Irene has an interest in all aspects of natural science collection conservation, including fluid specimens, preventive conservation measures, conservation treatments and rehousing methods.
Events
- Events will focus on skills and issues specific to Natural Science collections.
- For planned upcoming events, please see the main AICCM events pages here.
- Please contact the SIG Convenors if you have any suggestions for future events or activities.
Contact
If you have any questions or event suggestions for the Natural Science Special Interest Group, please email sheldon.teare@australian.